In an electrifying showdown, the Miami Heat secured their first Summer League championship with a nail-biting 120-118 overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. The game, held on Tuesday night, was a rollercoaster of intensity and set a new record for high-scoring finals in Summer League history.
Overtime Triumph
The game required overtime to crown a winner, with both teams locked at 118 points in the final moments of regulation. Under Summer League overtime rules, the teams competed to reach a target score of 120 points. Pelle Larsson emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive basket in overtime to bring the Heat to victory.
"Coach [Dan Bisaccio] drew up a great play we've run in practice a bunch of times. They did a good job guarding it. We have shooters everywhere and they want to help, and I just made it," said Larsson, who finished the game with 16 points.
Historic High Scoring
This championship game was notable not just for its thrilling conclusion, but also for its place in the record books. It surpassed the previous high-scoring record set by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, when they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-98. Remarkably, this was only the second Summer League championship game to extend into overtime, the first being the Chicago Bulls' 84-82 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016.
Standout Performances
Miami's victory was a team effort, with several players delivering stellar performances. Josh Christopher led the Heat with 24 points, while Kel'el Ware contributed a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Alondes Williams also added 21 points, and Cole Swider chipped in with 19 points, including a crucial shot that put Miami in the lead with just 19.6 seconds left in regulation.
On the opposing side, Jake LaRavia spearheaded the Grizzlies' offense with an impressive 32 points. Scotty Pippen Jr. also had a standout game, scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. GG Jackson, who tied the game with a clutch three-pointer with just 10.5 seconds remaining in regulation, finished with 28 points.
Despite the Grizzlies' gritty performance, they fell just short in an encounter that showcased the resilience and competitiveness of both teams. "The Grizzlies made it tough for us. That just speaks volumes to this team. Their willingness to fight through the adversity showed real grit, toughness, and of course, that competitive will," commented Miami's coach Dan Bisaccio.
Honoring the MVP
In addition to witnessing a historic game, fans also saw Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson honored as the Summer League MVP. Wilson averaged 21.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game throughout the tournament. His impressive shooting statistics of 47.3% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc earned him a place on the Summer League first team, alongside GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Jordan Miller.
The second team featured other notable contributors including Jalen Wilson, Bub Carrington, Donovan Clingan, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Jarace Walker, recognizing the depth of talent on display throughout the league.
A Night to Remember
For fans, players, and coaches alike, the 2023 Summer League championship game will be remembered as a night of historic moments and exceptional performances. As the final buzzer sounded in overtime, Miami's players erupted in celebration, capping off a tournament full of thrilling basketball. The Heat's victory over the Grizzlies marked a significant milestone in the franchise's history, and set a new standard for drama and excitement in future Summer League championships.